South Australia Legalises Virtual Fencing to Enhance Livestock Management

South Australia has officially sanctioned the use of virtual fencing for livestock, becoming the final Australian state to do so. This technology enables farmers to manage livestock without traditional wire fences by using GPS-enabled collars and mobile applications. The collars provide audio cues and mild electrical stimuli to guide animals away from virtual boundaries.

This advancement is expected to transform livestock management, offering benefits in emergency situations such as bushfires and floods by allowing farmers to move animals to safety without human intervention. Industry advocates, including Livestock SA, highlight the potential for reduced fence maintenance costs and improved land management precision.

Concerns regarding animal welfare have been addressed through comprehensive trials, and the South Australian Department of Primary Industries is implementing welfare safeguards as part of the approval process. The rollout is slated for early 2026, with criteria for licensing and governance under development.

Farmers like Adam Mann from Donovan's Dairy are preparing to adopt this technology, which promises to enhance productivity, labor efficiency, and emergency response capabilities. The international livestock community is closely monitoring this development as similar tech-driven management tools gain traction globally.